Prime Minister Narendra Modi may have a strong belief in solar energy but ex-IITian from Bombay and Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has reservations about the renewable energy source.
Speaking at a conference on “Exploring Energy Frontiers” held in Panaji, Parrikar questioned the efficiency harnessing the sun as a source of renewable energy. “Solar is there, but (with) solar (energy) the biggest question is whether solar energy can be harnessed over a period of 24 hoursIJ”.
Parrikar added that solar panels are no more reliable. “The reliability factor has come down to such a level that today you are not willing to pay the price for a solar panel which is reliable”.
His comments came despite the fact that the Modi-led NDA Government identified renewable energy, including solar energy, as a thrust area, especially with Modi often using his erstwhile Gujarat Government’s success in generating electricity from solar energy as an recurring illustration to make a point.
Parrikar pushed for starting small hydroelectricity generating mechanisms downriver all across India with a capacity to generate small quantities of power like one or two megawatts.
With such a low cost system Parrikar said “India can have 30,000 MW of power”. Parrikar also said that such units can also save costs of setting up a thermal grid to transport power because the electricity generated at such stations could be consumed in areas closest to it. Internationally however, solar technology has advanced that is is cheaper and more efficient than it ever was.